Enjoy The Quiet: Breeds That Don’t Bark

If loud noises, barking included, cause you anxiety, we’ve got you covered!Barking can be a real problem, not only as a dog owner, but it can be disruptive to neighbors and when you’re out and about. While there are methods you can use to train your dog to bark less, if you’re looking for breeds who are quiet and content, there are a handful that fit the bill.At Vet Set, we understand how a dog’s demeanor means everything — you need a dog that fits your lifestyle and barking can really put a damper on things. Join us in today’s post as we navigate dog breeds that bark less to help maintain peace and quiet.

Quiet(er) Breeds

There is no a guarantee that your dog will never bark at the occasional squirrel or when someone comes to visit, but below are the breeds that tend to bark less, so let’s explore these peaceful pups.

Shiba Inu

You may pick up an introverted vibe when you first meet a Shiba Inu — they’re reserved yet inquisitive, and they always look like they want to tell you something. The Shiba will very rarely bark and stays calm and adaptable to most environments. Shiba Inu’s make a great pet because they’re low-maintenance with minimal grooming needs and exercise requirements.

Whippet

Whippets look like mini-Greyhounds and do not bark much. When Whippets are comfortable and feel a part of the family they are quite loving and playful, but if you’re a stranger they may take some time to warm up to you. If you’re planning on getting a Whippet based on their quiet personality, keep in mind they need a lot of exercise — when they don’t get enough they can become destructive and stubborn, which isn’t good for anyone.

Akita

This is a large dog breed who is stoic by nature and only barks when it's needed. They make a great guard dog for protection, so when they bark, it’s probably to bring attention to something. An Akita is an intense breed who loves fiercely and loyally but is quite independent — they'll guard and protect you, but shy away from a more playful nature.

Bernese Mountain Dog

If you’re ready to accommodate a large breed, you will not find a more playful and loyal dog! While they remain quiet and tend not to bark, they’re happy to alert you when there is something worth barking about. This breed requires a good amount of exercise and a bond will be cemented in this fun, play time.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

If a smaller breed is more your style, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is the best little, albeit quiet, companion. They are quite easy going and love to snuggle, but tend to be a bit more high maintenance in the grooming department. Their long coat requires daily brushing, but other than this they are pretty easy to care for.

Bulldog

A bulldog is a perfect companion who is extremely low-maintenance, and better yet, doesn’t bark. Their short coat makes grooming a breeze, andtheir short, muscular stature doesn’t require a whole lot of exercise. Because they’re not overly vocal, you’ll know exactly if something is up or if they want your attention.

Chow Chow

A Chow Chow is a very independent dog who is more aloof than anything. While Chow’s have a reputation for being aggressive, it’s typically as a result of wanting to protect their people. If no danger is present, Chow’s are typically quiet, but they won’t hesitate to signal to you if danger is near. All dogs bark, whether out of boredom or to alert someone that there is danger, there is not a completely barkless dog — which is a good thing. So, keep the peace and your neighbors happy with a breed that barks less! There is a dog breed for everyone and even for those who prefer their dogs not to bark at every person that strolls by! Keep peace and quiet with dog breeds that are more naturally quiet! Breeds such as whippets, Akitas, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, bulldogs, and Chow Chows all tend to be less vocal than other breeds.

For more information about how to care for the dogs listed above or the vet services we office, connect with us today!

Are you ready to embark on puppy pawtrol? Being a good, responsible dog owner takes more than you think!

Furry friends are irresistible — they’re cute, cuddly, and they always have the best attitudes, which makes them some of the ideal companions in our lives. But, there is a large gap between loving your dog and being a responsible dog owner.
At Vet Set, we are Carroll Gardens’ premier vet clinic and we treat a myriad of animals, including the ever-effervescent and uber cute furry variety! Take a moment with us today and learn more about what it takes to be a responsible dog owner that goes beyond the basics.
Beyond Food, Water, and Shelter: # Tips To Become The Best Dog Owner
Owning a dog is not only a joy and a freedom we have, but it also takes a great deal of responsibility. The tips below can elevate your puppy parent game or guide you towards being the best you can be — for your furry best friend!
Consider Your Lifestyle
Dogs not only require physical activity, but they deserve an owner who is present. It can be selfish to get a dog to quell something in you, only to leave them home alone a majority of their lives.
So, consider what kind of lifestyle you have. Are you single or partnered? This will play into how much attention your dog receives and if the duties can be split.
If you’re single, what kind of hours do you work? Do you work from home or are you gone more than eight hours a day? This gap of time is not only lonely for a dog, but it can spark behavior issues if they start to get bored.
If you can take your dog to work, that’s wonderful — they’ll get the interaction and attention they warrant.
The takeaway — if you’re gone more than you’re home, getting a puppy is probably not a good lifestyle fit.
Grasp the Commitment
As a future dog owner, do you realize the commitments that are involved? It’s not only feeding, watering, and picking up their poop, it involves a significant emotional, financial, and time commitment to help your dog thrive.
What if your dog requires surgery or breaks a leg? You have to be able to financially accommodate these issues. And, your dog needs exercise and daily walks to keep them sane (just like us) which takes time from your, perhaps already, hectic schedule.
Adopt a Dog That Fits Your Lifestyle
There are different breeds of dogs that fit well into various kinds of lifestyles. For example, if you’re a runner a pug may not make it through your long runs — but a Weimaraner might!
Or, if you’re more of a couch potato yourself, a Bichon Frise would fit right in!
Doing a little is important when figuring out a dog that will meld with your life. Make a list of the breeds you like, and find some information on their demeanor — from here you can better recognize the the needs of the dog and yourself.
Being a responsible dog owner is much like being a parent — it’s a long term investment! You have to cater to their physical and emotional wellness, in addition to backing them with financial support to feed, shelter, and take care of their needs. There are many more tips we have for you, so stay tuned for part two!

Part of your obligation of being a pet parent is making sure their health is in tip-top shape. Vet Set is your resource for wellness check-ups, vaccinations, and pet emergencies in the Carroll Garden area — connect with us and schedule your appointment today!

Because navigating emotional wellness with a four-legged furry friend is always better!

You may have noticed dogs roaming in unconventional places — airports, restaurants, and even shopping malls — and while service animals are quite recognizable, what is an emotional support animal (ESA)?Our furry best friends complete our families — not only do they keep us company on runs and provide us with a lifetime of laughs, they’re always by our side offering their undivided emotional support. The VetSet is here to make sure your furry friend lives out their days healthy and happy. We provide traditional and alternative care at our brick and mortar vet clinic and also our mobile vet services. Join us in today’s post as we explore all that pertains to emotional support animals.

The Power of Animals

While emotional support animals have received a lot of media attention from both critics and those in favor, most people can identify and have experience with the power of animals. Whether it’s a special bond you have as a pet parent or the joys of fostering, you can relate to the ease and calm that pets can bring. They can sense when your in turmoil both physically and emotionally, and are the first ones at your side to help soothe. Emotional support animals are no different and they offer those who are managing health issues more rights than your typical household pet.

What’s The Difference? Emotional Support Pets Vs. Service and Therapy Animals

A service animal is typically a dog trained for a specific task. We have service dogs for the blind, for those in wheelchairs, and even those who have epilepsy. Emotional support dogs differ from service animals in that they’re not trained for a specific job so they don’t have the same public allowances that service animals do. A therapy animal — again, typically a dog — is a pet trained to offer psychological and emotional support. Common places to spot therapy animals are in nursing homes, schools, and therapists offices.The largest difference between an emotional support animal and service and therapy animals, is that they’re not trained for a specific task or job. They are simply there in their presence to offer an emotional connection void of less legal accommodations. Emotional support animals do not have the same rights as service animals under the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) because they are not needed to provide their owner’s in assistance in everyday tasks and do not receive ongoing, consistent, and professional training. The very beautiful thing about ESA is that the law recognizes their significance, and some laws extend to them — you are allowed some rights in public spaces. ESA’s are recognized in the Fair Housing Amendment Act (FHAA) and those with emotional support animals are allowed to keep them, in addition to the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) that allows owners to bring their animals on a flight even beyond whether they fit in a carrier under the seat or not. The laws are only so permitting — in units with a no pet policy, ESA animals are still not allowed, and within the ACAA, you can only fly with a dog or cat.

What Makes An Emotional Support Animal Legal?

To certify an ESA, you must get prescribed a script requesting an ESA by your mental health practitioner. These scripts are typically written for those who suffer from the following mental health concerns:

Depression

Learning disabilities

Anxiety

ADHD

Cognitive issues

The letter must include all information such as:

A script written by your current mental health practitioner

The disability stated for an ESA

How your life is impacted by the health concerns you have

How the ESA would improve your quality of life

Be dated a year or less out from the time you require it for housing or travel

More on Emotional Support Animals

ESAs are widely beneficial for the quality of life they can help guide you towards. An ESA needs no specific training or certifications and can be a pet you already have or one you’re planning on adopting. It is highly recommended that they do have basic obedience training and manners so they can behave well in a public space. ESAs play a vital role alongside side both service and therapy animals. They can help those struggling with a psychological issue gain a better quality of life and soothe them in stressful situations such as long flights or being home alone. It’s also important to go through all of the right avenues to gain certification, so as not to abuse the system and make it more difficult for those in the future to obtain a ESA.If you are managing a health issue and feel you need the support of an animal, look into an emotional support animal to help you through your toughest days.

If you have an emotional support animal and are in need of vet services in the Carroll Garden area, reach out to us today!

Dog birthday ideas for planning the perfect pawty!

Your furry best friend is an extension of your family — after all, they go practically everywhere with you, and when you refer to them as your child, everyone knows who you’re talking about! It’s only natural that they get a birthday party in their honor every year!At Vet Set, we celebrate your dog by keeping them happy and healthy so they can celebrate each passing year with you! From alternative vet methods to x-rays and vaccinations, we can meet you where you’re at via our mobile vet clinic! For now, relax and find great ideas for planning your next puppy birthday party!

Plan a Dog Birthday For the Books With These Ideas!

Spoiling your dog is something dog owners love to do — whether it’s making them go gaga over their favorite toy or indulging them in a new treat — we live to give our dogs the best quality of life. So, if you’re ready to see the pure bliss on your dog’s face, now is the time to plan for their upcoming pawty!

Find the perfect doggy birthday venue!

Not every venue is dog-friendly, so unless you have a venue dedicated to dogs (a dog park or doggy daycare), having the party in your home may be the best practice. One of the highlights of celebrating your dog is they don’t know when their birthday is, which can make things easier for you. If they have a cold, December birthday, celebrate them in warmer weather when they can tromp around in your yard or the park with their buddies. Create fun exciting invitations and decorations even the humans will love!Invitations are part of the fun, so craft unique and cheeky doggy birthday invitations that dazzle. The practice of posting invites to fridges still happens, and people love slapping a cute dog invitation up for everyone to see!As far as decorations go, go wild! You can never have too many dog decorations at the party! Get creative and go beyond the typical paws and bones decor. We can’t get enough of the UPS and mailman theme (if your dog loves to bark and tease them) or a tennis ball theme — whatever your dog is in to, create a theme around that.

Pamper them with a pupcake!

When it comes to the cake, it has to entice and dazzle. It can be a delicious concoction of everything they love — dog bones, peanut butter, pumpkin, or bananas — or it can be a treat they love to destroy. We’ve seen cute cakes that let dogs go crazy with toilet paper, boxes, and bubble wrap — don’t be afraid to do something different!Invite all their friends!What’s better than a solo birthday? A birthday with all your favorite dog buddies! Invite as many of their dog friends that your house or park can contain and let them celebrate and play all day! If your dog has a social media following, it’s also fun to create a little post about their upcoming party — create a hashtag that the other dogs can use when they post pictures from the day!If you’re outdoors, a water station (or a couple) is a great idea. Keep a couple of bowls around, or have fun and create a doggy fountain that flows with fresh water.

Strike a paws with a photo booth!

Photo booths are not only for the humans, dogs love to use them too! It can be as basic or ornate as you want, but be sure to include birthday themed props and ones that are tolerated by most dogs — sunglasses, hats, frisbees, etc. Not only does a photobooth create an area to document the day, the humans can post them on social media under the hashtag you created!Include games!Games can be a great way to control the chaos of a host of dogs. You could create a talent show where the dogs show off their tricks and talents for treats or a scavenger hunt where you hide treats and the dogs go around sniffing them out.

Don’t let the guests leave without a doggy bag!

Fill a bag full of treats that the doggy guests can take with them — this can be anything from balls and jerky to dog bones and a cute bandana. Don’t leave the human guests out!The dog party shenanigans can be a bit tiring for the humans, so try and create a space where everyone can relax and kick back at the party — food and adult beverages are always a great option! You can even play to the theme and customize a cocktail in honor of your dog! Celebrating your dog is something that you and other dog parents love to do! No matter what you end up doing, have fun and make it a stress-free endeavor!

For more information on how we can keep your dog happy and healthy with our mobile vet services, connect with us today!

Because cracked dog paws aren’t the only burden the cold weather can bring.

Carroll Gardens in Brooklyn often experiences the best winter weather mother nature has to offer — whites outs that line the streets and freezing temperatures that call for layer after layer (after layer) — this can be bliss when you’re well-prepared, but what about for your four-legged friend?Snowed in or would you like to stay put in your warm brownstone this winter? No worries! The VetSet is a mobile veterinarian that can come to you! Stick with us and learn about the best pet care for your animals as you brave the cold, Brooklyn climate!

Where to Begin With Winter Pet Care?

Depending on the breed of your dog, they may love the winter or would rather stay tucked away indoors. Either way, they have to get out at some point for a nice stroll and multiple times daily to use the restroom. This means they must brave the cold! Many of us still hold the assumption that dogs are dogs and animals full of fur and fluff that protects them and acts as their winter coat, thus they’re able to weather the cold with ease. But because our pets are domesticated and use to a life of luxury indoors — heat, bedding, and blankets galore — the winter weather can be as alarming to them as it is for us. Let’s give our dog’s a little extra TLC in the winter!So, what are the key winter care tips a dog owner needs to know? Keep reading to be in-the-know about cold-climate pet care tips!But first, what are the winter health risks that dogs encounter?

Icy roads and sidewalks.

Just as humans have to be careful when on snow and ice so do dogs, but in a bit of a different way. While humans have to avoid slipping and falling, dogs have to steer clear of the ice melt and sand. Chemical deicers that line the streets and sidewalks are irritating to dog’s paws, and if ingested, are extremely toxic. Sand is better for dogs but combined with the cold, ice, and snow, it makes sore and cracked paws.

Frostbite

Frostbite affects dogs in the cold weather because the biological process is for the body to take warmth from the outer extremities and pull it inwards to the core. As the center of the body is warmed, it leaves paws, tails, and ears vulnerable to frostbite. Key signs of frostbite are skin discoloration (changing to a grey color) in addition to the areas being cold and hard. If left unaddressed, frostbite can reach the point of no return and turn black — if this happens your pet loses that extremity permanently.

Hypothermia

This is a severe case of your dog being too cold. If a dog spends too much time out in the elements without the ability to warm up, hypothermia sets in. This can begin mildly where signs such as cold feet and ears or shivering occur. Signs that you shouldn’t ignore and that can be fatal are if your dog becomes weak and apathetic. The end stage of hypothermia is a dog whose muscles tighten up and breathing slows. It’s vital to know your dog and understand and identify the signs of frostbite and hypothermia because they can be disastrous for your dog’s well-being. Knowing how and what your dog is at risk in the wintertime is only the first part of the conversation! Stay tuned and get the best tips to prepare your dog for the cold in our next post!